A Taste of Lake Garda at Your Table

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake. Situated between Brescia and Verona, Lake Garda is a haven for wine, food and nature lovers. Many Italians consider Lake Garda their well-kept secret, but now you too can experience the magic of the lake right at your table.

I had the scrumptious opportunity to taste the flavors of Lake Garda with MamaBlip. We made a delicious pumpkin risotto with Piave DOP cheeses paired with Lake Garda wines. Risotto may be the most quintessential dish of Italy and it is certainly the signature dish of northern Italy, specifically in Lombardy, where you will find classic Italian dishes with an Alpine twist. Read further along to find recipes made with Piave DOP cheeses.

THE PERFECT PAIRING

The sparkling wines of Garda DOC and Valtènesi rosés are the perfect pairing with Piave DOP cheeses. These culinary delights are a specialty of this Northern Italian region. If Lake Garda is not in your travel plans, bring the food, wine and culture of Northern Italy to your home with these delectable pairings. Lake Garda is a region that produces stellar sparkling wines, be sure to pair them with aged Piave cheeses, it is a match made in heaven. The crisp bright acidity of Lake Garda sparkling wines pair delectably with the salty and intense flavor of Piave cheese from the same Alpine region. Consider pairing a Valtènesi rosé with a classic risotto made with Piave cheese. The pairings are endless and delicious.

GARDA DOC

Garda DOC has its roots in the hills that are embroidered with vineyards. The area is comprised of ten Garda appellations. The appellations are all in a predominantly hilly production area that surrounds the lake, extending from Valtènesi to Valpolicella, from the banks of the Mincio River to Verona.

White Garda DOC sparkling wines are based on Garganega, Pinot Grigio, and/or Trebbiano, and Chardonnay grapes, while rosé Garda Spumante DOC may be based on Corvina, Rondinella, Pinot Nero, and Merlot grapes. These sparkling wines may either be bottle-fermented or tank-fermented, and they often range in sweetness from Brut Nature to Demi-Sec. Garda DOC sparkling wines and Piave DOP cheeses are the perfect pairing and a great culinary match, adding sparkle to any celebration.

VALTÈNESI ROSÈ

Valtènesi is one of Italy’s greatest rosè producing regions. Located on the western side of the lake at the foothills of the Alps, the vineyards arise to the sun. Cool nights, light breezes and sunny mornings create a mild climate to produce wines that are elegant and full of finesse. The rosés are floral, fruity and have bright acidity.

The rosés are produced with Groppello grapes, complimented by Marzemino, Barbera, and Sangiovese. Groppello grapes give this wine uniqueness and character. Valtènesi rosés are crunchy, zesty, fresh and very food-friendly.

This is a lovely wine to accompany meats and light vegetable-based dishes. With so much flexibility and adaptability in this wine, you might be surprised to find that the Valtènesi rosés make a welcome addition to your lunch and dinner tables. The wines are great paired with raw fish, sushi and pasta but versatile enough to pair with steak and pork.

PIAVE DOP CHEESES

Piave DOP is a famous hard cheese that hails from the Dolomite area of Belluno in Northeastern Italy and is named after the river of the same name. These artisanal cheeses are produced following traditional methods, using pasteurized cow’s milk. This cheese has a sweet and intense flavor that becomes more pronounced as it ages This crumbly, grainy cheese is perfect when served in small flakes for an aperitif with a fresh glass of bubbly Garda DOC.

A TASTE OF LAKE GARDA – CREATIVE RECIPES

Lake Garda is a region with a rich and important history that is visible in its landscapes via its picturesque vineyards, castles and churches. Along with its history, Lake Garda is renowned for its cuisine. Bring a bit of authentic Garda lake life to your home with these creative recipes from MamaBlip.